Lead poisoning is a topic that we’ve all heard about. We know lead can live in our walls, floorboards, doorframes and other common living areas, and we’ve all been warned to make sure our water is clean. But one place that is often overlooked as a source of lead poisoning is the bathtub. This is especially dangerous, as we all spend a lot of time in our tub, whether we’re having a soak or taking a quick shower. Even worse, our children are bathing in that same tub, too, which means they are possibly being exposed to high levels of toxicity.
If you think you might have a problem with lead in your bathtub, call the experts at A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service LLC for bathtub refinishing in Phoenix, AZ.
Here are a few must-know facts about lead poisoning in bathtubs:
High levels of lead can exist in multiple tub types: Whether you have an enamel or porcelain tub, you are at equal risk for lead, which can live in both the glaze (known as surface coating) and the substrate (or under coating). Tubs can frequently hold 300,000ppm (parts per million) of lead or more, and they are often left as is, even during extensive bathroom remodels or updates. This problem is worsened as the tub starts to deteriorate, letting potentially high levels of lead out into your bath water.
Older tubs have a high risk:Multiple studies have found that about 75 percent of tubs manufactured before 1978 have a glaze that contains lead. In fact, about 40 percent of them will even show lead dust levels that can be easily measured, just from a collection of surface particles. We appreciate an elegant, vintage tub as much as the next person—especially those beautiful claw foot varieties—but unfortunately, such tubs are also very likely to contain lead.
Blood tests can reveal lead issues:Sometimes a home sample kit isn’t enough to determine a high lead level in your home. This is a case for the experts, and A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service LLC will be able to tell you for sure if there is a risk of lead in your bathtub. Many people discover they have a lead problem after conducting blood tests for their children. If your children show any level of lead in their blood, call in an expert right away.
Lead affects kids in dangerous ways: Any level of lead in the blood can be extremely detrimental. Kids can experience lowered IQ, as well as suffer from attention deficit disorders and problems with behavior. It can even delay puberty and cause diminished hearing.
The old adage applies here: better safe than sorry. Do you have an older tub? Did you move in to a house without knowing the status of the bathtub? Whatever your situation, it’s imperative that you protect the health of your family. Call A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service LLC to inspect your bathtub today. We can provide bathtub refinishing in Phoenix, AZ that reduces your risk of lead exposure and looks great in the process.
If your fiberglass shower has seen better days, you may be able to breathe new life into it with fiberglass shower repair in Phoenix, AZ. With a few relatively easy repairs, your fiberglass shower can look like new again and reverse the signs of aging and damage that have occurred over time.
Add shine and remove stains
Fiberglass is a versatile material for showers, but through everyday use, it can lose some of its luster and be harder to keep looking clean. With fiberglass shower repair in Phoenix, AZ, you can restore the shine and finish to your shower, making it look like you have undergone a complete remodel with only a few simple repairs by a professional shower repair service.
A bathroom contractor can use a resurfacing cleaner to clean the walls and floor of your fiberglass shower to eliminate the imperfections that have built up over time. It is often in these areas where water deposits and staining occur and become harder to get clean with everyday cleaning products.
With a resurfacing cleaner, your fiberglass shower will look like new again and remind you of the day when you first had it installed. This can be significantly less expensive than having a new fiberglass shower put in, and will give you the look you are seeking with minimal time and effort put into the repairs.
Fill cracks or chips
If the fiberglass shower repair in Phoenix, AZ that you require is more comprehensive, such as the filling in of cracks and chips, this too can be fixed by a bathroom service professional. They will work to make the area that has been affected by the cracking or chipping to be as strong and as durable as possible by creating more support underneath the affected area. Poor support to the fiberglass surface of your shower most often is the cause of cracks, and with additional support and repair being provided to these weaker areas, you will have a shower that no longer suffers from these unsightly blemishes.
A bathroom contractor that specializes in fiberglass showers will be able to clean the surface where the cracking has occurred so it will be ready for repairs. They will polish and sand all jagged edges of the crack or chip to get the best-looking repair as possible. These cracks will then be supported and filled in, allowing the cracks and chips to virtually disappear. Having these imperfections repaired can mean the difference in the life of your fiberglass shower and whether or not it needs to be replaced.
Before you decide to have new fiberglass shower installation, consider whether fiberglass shower repair in Phoenix, AZ is right for you. You will end up saving money and will still have the look of a new shower by simply having repairs performed. Call A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service L.L.C. to schedule your fiberglass shower repair consultation. We offer repair and refinishing of bathtubs, showers, sinks, vanities and tile, and we look forward to assisting you soon!
If you have a vintage, antique bathtub in your home that is beginning to look a little worn, it’s much more cost-effective to refinish the bathtub than to go with a complete replacement. You might be surprised to learn that purchasing a similar tub (or paying to design a similar tub) could cost you thousands of dollars, depending on its age and the materials used to create it.
Of course, refinishing is no easy task, either. You must have a certain amount of skill to complete the job correctly and be comfortable working with certain types of chemicals. The job will also require a fair amount of time and patience, though you should be able to complete the transformation within a weekend if you are committed.
Here are some tips to keep in mind to help you achieve better bathtub refinishing in Phoenix, AZ:
Calculate what the cost will be: Figure out all the materials you need to refinish your tub and then determine how much it will cost to purchase them. Sometimes you are able to get refinishing kits that will include pretty much everything you need, but if these kits are unavailable, you will need to collect the materials yourself. These materials could include certain painting tools (brushes, rollers, painter’s tape), protective eyewear, rubber gloves, a respirator, drop cloths, mineral spirits and chemical cleaning agents. You might be able to just get a good finish by using a brush and roller, but if that doesn’t work out well, a paint sprayer will be your best bet to give you the most professional looking result.
Know what you’re in for: This is not a simple project. Much like any do-it-yourself project, you must do your research ahead of time so you know the scope of the project and the order in which you must complete the steps. Your first step should always be to completely clean out your bathtub, getting rid of any scum, mildew or residue that has collected over time. If there are any areas that have chipped or pitted, you will need to fill these areas in with putty or epoxy and sand them down before you proceed. You should also remove the drain cover, lever plate and any caulking located around the edge of the tub.
Work with the chemicals carefully: Because these chemicals can be harmful to the human body, make sure you are wearing appropriate protective gear while performing the job. Keep the room well ventilated throughout the process, as well, so you don’t breathe in too many fumes. You may have to apply the chemicals multiple times, so make sure you allow it to dry sufficiently before each application. Once the entire project is complete, you will not be able to use the tub for several days, so make sure you have planned around this in your home. If it’s your family’s only means of bathing, you might need to make other arrangements.
Be aware that you can never be fully prepared: Just about any DIY project in your home requires you to expect the unexpected. With a bathtub refinishing job, you never know when the project could require you to just overhaul a significant portion of your bathroom. Removing the caulking could uncover some severe issues with moisture in your walls, which would require some major remodeling and wall repair, depending on the extent of the problem. Be ready for basically anything when you take on a job like this.
For more information, or to have the project done professionally, contact A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service L.L.C. today for bathtub refinishing in Phoenix, AZ.
If you’ve had your tub for a long time, it’s probably starting to look a little unpleasant. After all, tubs are in constant use, and they take a lot of wear and tear over the years. It’s to be expected that after some time, there will be chipping, staining, mold and rust buildup. If you’re ready for an upgrade, it’s time to consider bathtub refinishing in Phoenix, AZ. Here’s why.
A new tub is probably unnecessary
You might be thinking, “Forget refinishing, I’ll just buy a brand new tub.” This is understandable, but hold on for a minute before you rush out to the store. First of all, it’s easier than you think to restore the tub you currently have. Second of all, a new tub usually ends up being more expensive than the initial sticker price. You might be able to find a new tub for a few hundred bucks(if you’re willing to get a pretty basic model, but the work involved will add up in real money.
Why a new tub costs so much
To start with, most tubs aren’t moved into an existing house—they’re installed during the building process. Getting an old tub out and a new one in is actually pretty difficult. Surrounds, tiles, plumbing and trim will probably need to be torn out, and you’re apt to get dinged for the cost of cutting the tub into manageable pieces just to fit it through your doorway. And then there’s the fact that you’ll have to then re-plumb the tub, put back in the tiling, and possibly widen or shorten the tub surround space. Before you know it, you’re spending thousands on a bathroom remodel, when all you initially wanted was a prettier tub.
How refinishing can be better
When you opt for bathtub refinishing in Phoenix, AZ, you’ll be getting what looks like a brand new tub for a fraction of the cost. Instead of showering in the basement tub for weeks or months while work on a new tub installation is in progress, you can get back into that refinished tub in a matter of days. The cost of refinishing—usually three or four hundred dollars on average—will be far more affordable than the thousands you could spend on a brand new tub.
Steps to refinish your tub
If you look online, you’ll probably find some DIY tutorials. Don’t get sucked in, though, because this type of work is best left to the pros, such as the crew at A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service LLC, who have years of experience in the field and will make sure the job is done safely and professionally.
Steps include: sanding down the current finish on the tub; repairing any damage (such as cracks, chips, rust spots or unsound areas); priming the tub; applying a new surface layer; and lastly, applying a new sealing top coat.
When an experienced company performs your bathtub refinishing in Phoenix, AZ, you can expect another 10 to 15 years of good use before another refinishing is required. Now that’s money well spent! Call A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service LLC today to learn more!
If you’ve noticed your bath tub is cracked, chipped or even leaky, your first thought may be to go out and buy a new one. Not so fast! There’s no reason to go out and spend thousands of dollars on a new bath tub. Often times, bath tubs in Glendale can be repaired for a much lower price than a complete tub replacement. Here are some common bath tub problems that don’t require replacement, and which can instead be treated with professional repairs:
Rust in your bath tub: The orange-red rust color that can build up in bath tubs in Glendale is unsightly, and most people think it’s kind of disgusting. Since rust is caused by dissolved iron in tap water, it’s unavoidable if you don’t take proper care of your bath tub. We recommend wiping your bath tub down with a towel after each use to get rid of any iron residue that is left sitting in a wet tub. If you neglect to do this, you’re going to have a rusty tub after a while. If you’re sick of having a rusty tub in your bathroom, don’t just go out and buy a new one. Instead, consider repairing it for a much lower price. Our professionals can clean your tub and get out any rust stain to make it look as good as new.
Cracks or chips in your bath tub: Whether you have a fiberglass or porcelain bath tub, it runs the risk of chipping or cracking over time. But fear not—most cracks can be repaired, no matter how bad they seem. With the proper equipment, our professionals can fix your bath tub in a matter of hours and also ensure that the repaired area blends in seamlessly with the original color of the bath tub. It’s pertinent to call us as soon as you notice any crack or chip in your bath tub. Cracks and chips will only get worse as time goes on, and will also run the risk of developing mold inside the crack. We pride ourselves on our ability to repair cracked fiberglass bath tubs, but we also have decades of experience repairing porcelain bath tubs, too.
Leaky bath tubs: Leaks can happen in bath tubs for a variety of reasons. From small cracks to bad plumbing or even old caulking, bath tubs can spring leaks at any time with little to no warning at all. When that happens, you need to call a professional to fix it right away. What may seem like a minor problem at first can quickly turn into a major issue. We’re able to fix and stop any type of leak you could imagine.
Most bath tubs in Glendale can be repaired for a few hundred dollars. Compare that to the cost of a new tub and give A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service LLC a call today. If your tub isn’t in need of repair, but you could use a new look, give us a call to find out how we can refinish your tub to totally transform its appearance.
